Murray Princess Christmas Cruise (2025)

Your fare excludes:

Monday 22 December 2025

C​ruise departs Mary Ann Reserve, Mannum at 4:30pm

Mid-afternoon, the Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads downriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner. As we cruise under floodlight to our overnight mooring at Mundurra, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. Our on-board entertainer provides music for the night owls.

Tuesday 23 December 2025

In 1879 the first bridge to span the Murray River was built at Edwards Crossing, which quickly became the bustling township of Murray Bridge. After a hearty breakfast, choose to join a guided tour of the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions or go on a wildlife tour at Monarto Safari Park (additional cost).Those who choose to experience Monarto Safari Park will arrive back on board the Murray Princess in time for lunch then join us in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the Riverland. This afternoon, we continue our journey upriver and tonight we moor at Salt Bush Flat. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by our talented crew.

Wednesday 24 December 2025

This morning, join a guided nature walk where our guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before the PS Murray Princess departs and cruises downriver. Near From ms Landing, we turn and head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where your discovery vessel awaits for a wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, we explore the maze of the river and the birdlife is amazing. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river’s muddy edges. The afternoon offers a choice of bocce or fishing challenges before a delicious dinner in the Sturt Dining Room followed by an evening of entertainment.

Thursday 25 December 2025

Merry Christmas everyone! Wake up Christmas morning and experience the magic of the Murray River. Delight in some Christmas festivities with a traditional Christmas Day lunch and celebrations. In the afternoon there will be more fun Christmas themed activities, or you may prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery as you continue cruising upriver to Wagon Wheel Landing where the boat will be moored for the night. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a delicious dinner in the Sturt Dining Room followed by an evening of entertainment.

Friday 26 December 2025

Daybreak and it’s time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the special light and the morning movement of wildlife. Prolific birdlife includes pelicans, wrens and swans. Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising upriver to Blanchetown through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of water. This afternoon we moor opposite to the township of Blanche town for our overnight anchorage. As the last rays of the sun fade, we visit Burk Salter Boutique Winery and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door which is fitted out with beautiful red gum bars. After dinner, join us for all the fun and excitement, and participate in our “Murray River Cup”.

Saturday 27 December 2025

After breakfast we cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s, was originally the largest of five sheep and cattle stations in the area and is now home to native flower and fruit growers. The original Swan Reach homestead is now the Swan Reach Hotel where you can enjoy an ale or cappuccino overlooking the Murray River (additional cost). Join a walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum (gold coin donation at entry). Cruise downriver after lunch and take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by. Catch up with friends over a coffee or drink whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery. When we arrive at Sunnydale, it’s all ashore for the Woolshed Show as we recreate typical Australian woolshed history. Later we visit the Native Wildlife Shelter where some of South Australia’s most interesting native animals are cared for. And then of course, there is the great Aussie Barbecue – cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the mighty Murray River.

An optional Nocturnal Tour* in a comfortable purpose-built cart is available after dinner where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats, and owls by powerful spotlights. Special stops along the way are included to view the spectacular night sky which is part of the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve. 

Sunday 28 December 2025

After an optional early morning Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a bush walk with the Captain, the vessel cruises slowly downriver past magnificent cliffs scoured by the river over millions of years. We reach Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve, one of Australia’s most significant archaeological sites, for a step back in time – tens of thousands of years – for a guided boardwalk tour to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about Aboriginal history in the area. We return to the vessel to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a scenic tender boat ride. Tonight, join your fellow guests for a delicious final night dinner and enjoy the evening entertainment.

Monday 29 December 2025

We head back to Mannum and after breakfast we reluctantly say farewell as we arrive at the Mannum Wharf at 9:00am.

This is a sample itinerary only and is subject to change due to weather, water levels and other operational requirements. Murray Princess reserves the right to amend itineraries and tours without notice. 

INSIDE CABIN

• TWIN SHARE: from $3,279 pp | SOLO: from $5,126 pp*

Departs Mannum on Monday 22 December 2025

OUTSIDE CABIN

• TWIN SHARE: from $4,289 pp | SOLO: from $6,742 pp*

STATEROOM

• TWIN SHARE: from $5,569 pp | SOLO: from $8,790 pp*

* Prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Outside cabins with twin bedding are located on Randell and Cadell Decks. Each outside cabin opens onto the outside deck walkway with picture windows to view the passing scenery. All cabins come with private bathroom ensuite, electric blankets, soap, shampoo, hairdryers, towels and daily servicing. 

While on board the paddlewheeler, you'll enjoy...

• Relaxing in one of the two lounges, with spectacular scenery views
• Hanging out on the Sun Deck at the top of the vessel
• Breakfast each morning
• Delicious a la carte lunches
• Dining each evening with fellow passengers
• Onboard entertainment

Cruise Times - Cruises depart and return to Mannum - recommend arriving into Adelaide prior to 11:30am (please note transfers do not pick up from the airport only Adelaide CBD as per below) The Journey from Adelaide Airport to Mannum is 1hr 45mins. Departing flights at end of cruise recommend departing after 2pm

Adelaide Coach Transfers - At time of booking advise where you want to be collected from in Adelaide. Choices are:

• A​delaide Central Bus Station - 1.20pm
• H​ilton Adelaide - 1.30pm
• M​ajestic Roof Garden Hotel - 1.35pm
• C​rowne Plaza Adelaide - 1.35pm
• S​tamford Plaza Adelaide - 1.45pm
• T​he Terrace Hotel Adelaide- 2pm
• No pick-up from Adelaide airport, drop off off after cruise at approx 12pm

Car parking is available at Mannum. Advise at time of booking if you would like a car park spot to be secured for you. Please ensure you arrive at Mannum by 3pm for check in

Facilities onboard include:

• Lift access from Randell Deck to Sturt Deck
• Paddlewheel Lounge
• Sturt Bar
• Sturt Dining Room
• Sun Deck
• Onboard Souvenir Shop
• Public Amenities

What level of fitness is required?

All passengers are required to complete a Fitness to Travel Declaration 60 days prior to travel. A good level of fitness and health is required to participate in Murray Princess cruises. In some destinations there are extensive sightseeing excursions by foot and which includes climbing of stairs. Mobility is needed boarding or alighting coaches, river cruise ships and mooring locations.

Passengers with disabilities or special needs are welcome, provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance. Any disability or medical condition requiring special attention must be reported to your consultant at the time of booking.

What clothes should I pack?

During the day, sportswear and casual clothing is suggested. We kindly ask that you do not wear bathing suits, singlets or brief attire in public rooms and lounges, especially in the dining room. Footwear is requested in both the dining room and lounges at all times. During the evening, smart casual wear is recommended – an open neck shirt and trousers for gentlemen and a dress, skirt or pants and blouse for the ladies. At the Captains Dinner on the final night of the cruise, a jacket and tie would not be out of place for gentlemen and a cocktail dress or pants outfit for the ladies. Be sure to bring a sun visor or hat, sunglasses and good sun block/sun screen. Sandals, low-heeled deck shoes and tennis shoes are most suitable on-deck and for onshore excursions.